Lexington, Ky - Explorium of Lexington today signed a long-term lease to remain at Victorian Square. The tenancy of the children’s museum had been in question as the downtown retail center was recently sold to the Webb Companies in partnership with Jeffrey R. Anderson Real Estate of Cincinnati. The property is being redeveloped to feature new retail and restaurant brands. Saul Good Restaurant & Pub recently announced plans to open a restaurant in October.
According to Explorium Board Chair Timothy Davis, “the Explorium is delighted to be a part of the new and exciting redevelopment of Victorian Square. The Explorium provides a fun and dynamic hands-on learning environment for kids and families, and we know our patrons will be very excited by what the future holds for us in downtown Lexington. We thank The Webb Companies and Jeffrey R. Anderson Real Estate Company of Cincinnati, who have worked so hard to keep children, parents and families learning and playing together in Victorian Square.”
Full terms of the lease were not disclosed due to a confidentiality agreement among the parties, but Davis said the lease is for five years with an option to renew for another five years..
Individuals close to the negotiations credited Dudley Webb and Webb Companies CEO and legal counsel Ron Tritschler with “really going to bat” on behalf of the Explorium. “We are extremely pleased to share this exciting announcement with the representatives of the Explorium,” said Webb. “The Explorium has been an integral part of Victorian Square and downtown Lexington for many years and has served as a wonderful entertainment venue for countless families.”
Mark F. Fallon of Jeffrey R. Anderson Real Estate said, “People of all ages will enjoy the mix of retail and restaurants we are gathering to be part of our project which will lead off the entire Rupp Arena District transformation. Explorium has been part of The Square for a long time and now will be able to enjoy its greatest days yet ahead.”
According to Lee Ellen Martin, the Explorium’s Interim Executive Director, the Explorium has experienced significant attendance growth during the past year. “We have really listened to our visitors and are making sure everyone has a wonderful experience. We have recently opened two new exhibits: Get Fit, an interactive computer exhibit sponsored by QX.net and Best Buy; and Pet Hospital, a veterinary clinic where children get to ‘be’ the doctor and heal the stuffed dogs and cats sponsored by Banfield Pet Hospitals. More new and exciting things are just around the corner. We have plans for new exhibits, exciting new programming, and a summer of really fun camps.”
Explorium of Lexington opened 22 years ago in Victorian Square and has seen over 2 million visitors since then. Explorium is a nonprofit corporation and earns revenues through admissions fees, but also relies on contributions from the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government, Kentucky Arts Council, local businesses and individuals.